MONROE — Neighbors gathered to harvest Jackie Boss’s farmland due to the recent death of her husband. This was a surprise to Jackie because she only found out two days before the harvest. 

“When we got married and moved here I was like, I just love this neighborhood. This is so cool over here. People just watch out for each other and help each other out. It’s just really a great place to live,” Jackie said.

Normally Jackie hires someone to come over with a combine to harvest the land, but her neighbors came together and said they would like to harvest the land for her and that they did not expect anything in return. Jackie wanted to express her gratitude to her neighbors.

“And then I just thought how can I thank these people… I just wanted a way to thank them,” Jackie said.

They harvested 110 acres of land on Oct. 21. Some of the neighbors brought farm machinery, some made food, and some drove the machinery. They got to work right away separating all of the tasks. 

“Out of the goodness of their hearts,” Jackie said.   

Combines were brought in by Kenny Clark, Dudley Timm and Gary Brooks. Eight semi trucks were provided by Clark, Eric Timm, Mark Haug, Mitch Haug, Caleb Matzke, Scott Klemm, Ron Albright, and John “Wheaty” Wuethrich. Six tractors with grain carts were provided by, Jenny Brooks, Wuethrich, Clark and Timm. Food was provided by Henri Timm, Diana Clark, Lori Peterson, Alice Brooks, Shelly Wolf, and Patti Scheider. Most of those who did not have any machinery helped drive the tractors — Mike Kundert, Jeff Landorf, Jenny Brooks, Jerry Brooks, and Ed Stampfli Sr. all drove the carts. 

By the end of the day they had harvested 25 loads of corn and had them sold, 17 of which were sold to Pleasant Grain. They ended their hard day’s work with a meal — potluck style. Enjoying the meal and one another company.

“It was just such a cool, unbelievable, and emotional day,” she said.

Previously on Oct. 7 Ron and Scott Scheider helped Jackie with bedding bales. They baled over 100 round bales that day.